Biography

Hello, I'm Patrick Hufschmid.

I live in Aigle, in the French-speaking region of western Switzerland, near Montreux.

My mother, Jennifer Paull, is an internationally recognised musician and author. Through her, I come from a long lineage of musicians—including Felix Mendelssohn and Arnold Schönberg—whose legacy continues to influence my path.

My musical journey began with violin and piano lessons in childhood, but it was the guitar that truly captured my passion. I’ve been a guitarist for over 38 years, and in 1992, I began exploring extended-range instruments with my first 7-string guitar.

In 1996, I studied luthiery at Red Wing Technical College in Minnesota, USA, where I refined both my technical and artisanal skills. My work today blends traditional craftsmanship with modern materials and advanced technologies, creating instruments that are both functional and thoughtfully designed.

I’ve always been passionate about science. Since my teenage years, I’ve been drawn to cosmology, biology, and the physical laws that govern the world around us. In 2020, I began a more focused study of climate science, and this has become a central part of my life and thinking. Over the past five years, I’ve developed a solid understanding of the climate crisis, the physical limits of fossil fuel depletion, and the role of nuclear energy in a decarbonised future. I also dedicate part of my time to science communication—making complex ideas accessible and fact-based through clear, rigorous explanations. This commitment shapes my values and my work. I use only ethically sourced, sustainable timbers, and I build instruments that reflect a long-term vision of environmental responsibility and resilience.

Before studying in the United States, I trained as a chef and obtained my Swiss federal certificate (CFC) in 1995 at the EPM (École Professionnelle de Montreux) in Clarens.

I later worked as a sales manager within a franchise that specialised in buying and reselling second-hand goods. It was there that I discovered the world of horology more deeply—handling a wide range of timepieces gave me the opportunity to study their movements, understand mechanical principles, and build a solid foundation of knowledge. This growing expertise eventually led me to join a major Swiss watch group, where I became a specialised sales consultant focusing on luxury wristwatches and mechanical complications. That experience sharpened my presentation skills and deepened my understanding of how to communicate value, quality, and detail—skills I now apply fully to my own creations.

I devote a large part of my life to study. I'm deeply curious by nature, and I explore everything that resonates with me—whether it's history, physics, biology, or geopolitics. Over time, I’ve developed a holistic, systems-based understanding of the world, grounded in the laws of physical flows. This perspective allows me to connect seemingly distant ideas and see the broader picture. I believe that knowledge is power, and I strive to keep learning every day—because learning is not just something I do, it’s who I am.

Everything I do is guided by simplicity, clarity, and integrity. I resonate deeply with Einstein’s belief that “Everything should be made as simple as possible, but not simpler,” and with Charles Eames’ insight that “Details are not details; they make the design.” These principles define my approach—stripping away the unnecessary to let the essential speak clearly.